Adult Religious Exploration Offerings

Church Year 2020-2021

Fall Class Offerings

The Power of Forgiveness

A Spiritual Exploration for Unitarian Universalists

Tuesday Morning Class: Sept 22, 29 and Oct 6, Oct 13th, 20th from 10am – 11:30 am

Thursday Evening Class: Sept 24, and Oct 1, 8, 15, 22 from 7:00-8:30 pm

Facilitated by Rev. Tim Kutzmark,

Join Rev. Tim to explore the complexity of forgiveness. This five-part

workshop will spark spiritual conversation and contemplation. We’ll

examine the nature of forgiveness (of self and others), come to better

understand the journey to forgiveness, consider how we (and others) forgive

the unforgivable, and discover how our Unitarian Universalist faith can

change our understanding and experience of forgiveness. Tim offered this

class in the winter of 2016, and your first time or repeat participation is

welcomed. Registration is required:

https://forms.gle/YgV79usKDNzr5CrC8

A required packet of related readings/reflections will be available as a PDF for you to

print at home or for $20. 00 for us to print and mail to you.

Experiencing Transcendentalism in Modern Life

Oct. 27th, Nov. 3rd, Nov. 10th at 10am or Oct. 29th, Nov. 5th, Nov. 12th at 7pm

Facilitated by Harold Wood

This series of interactive discussions and activities invites a re-

connection with Nature and the spirit that lives within us all. Using the

American Transcendentalists and comparative texts as our setting, we

will engage in self-culture by experimenting with the spiritual practices

of the Transcendentalists. Registration Required:

https:/forms.gle/YgV79usKDNzr5CrC8

Fall Workshops

Introduction to Mantras and Chants

From the Kundalini Yoga Tradition

Wed, September 16 from 7:00-8:15 pm

Facilitated by Rev. Tim Kutzmark

Join Rev. Tim for an introduction to powerful mantras, meditations and chants from the

Kundalini Yoga Tradition. You’ll leave with easy-to-use techniques to deepen your

spiritual life. Registration is requested. https://forms.gle/5CoV6fHfedATDCuz8

Ikiru Discussion Group

Wed. Oct. 21 at 7pm or Sunday Oct. 25th at 1pm

Facilitated by Robert Mitchell

One of the great films of Japanese director Akira Kurosawa, Ikiru tells the story of an aging

bureaucrat, Kanji Watanabe, who learns that he has terminal cancer and determines that his final

days will have meaning. Kurosawa’s film is a thoughtful meditation on life and death.

Participants will receive a link to the film and will view it at their leisure before the meeting.

Registration Required. https://forms.gle/5CoV6fHfedATDCuz8

An Autumn Spiritual Retreat with Rev. Tim

Saturday, Nov.14 10 am – 2:30 pm

Led by Rev. Tim Kutzmark

Do you wish you felt more connected to your

spirituality, but aren’t exactly sure what that

means? Would you like to have a slow,

gentle day to think about your life, but your

schedule is just too full to do that on your

own? Do you wish you had a chance to

spend time with other people looking for the

same things? Then join Tim for this

nurturing day of renewal. Please wear loose and comfortable clothing, bring TWO cozy

blankets for relaxation periods, and plan to sit in a comfy chair or on floor with pillows

and/or meditation bench. Please plan a simple bag lunch for our food break. We’ll be

creating simple personal altars during this retreat, and suggestions will be sent in

advance. Registration is required. https://forms.gle/5CoV6fHfedATDCuz8

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Winter/Spring Class Offerings

Art That Makes You Feel

An exploration of Visual Art, emotion, and resilience

Facilitated by Katherine Smart

Sunday at 5pm January 17th, 25th, and Feb. 7th

Join artist Kate Smart for an exploration and spirituality of visual art and an

examination of physical, created, and emotional landscapes. Share art that

speaks to your heart, and observe and learn about artist and their work.

Love & Death & The Meaning of Life

A Spiritual Exploration for Unitarian Universalists

Rev. Tim Kutzmark, Facilitator

Feb. 16,th and 23rd, Mar. 2nd, 9th, and 16th at 10am

or Feb. 18th and 25th, Mar. 4th, 11th, and 18th

No matter our how young or old we may be, most of us wonder how we

find meaning in life, especially in the face of the reality that our life will

end, as will the lives of all those we love? What does it mean to live, and love, and die?

If religion is our human response to the dual reality of being alive and having to die, how

can our Unitarian Universalist faith provide us with guidance, comfort, and strength?

Tim offered this class in the fall of 2015, and your first-time or repeat participation is

welcomed. Required text: the short and quite powerful Love & Death: My Journey

Through the Valley of the Shadow by Forrest Church ($15 for paperback), available

through the UUA bookstore (www.uuabookstore.org) and Amazon.com. Please note:

The first session reading assignment will be chapters 1 – 4. Please come to the first class

having read this short section of the book. Please also bring a notebook and pen with

you. Registration is required.

D’oh God!

An Ethical and Theological Exploration for Unitarian

Universalists through the work of “The Simpsons”

This program is for ages 12-112

Facilitated by Dani Livesey

April 28th, May 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th at 7pm

or April 30th, May 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th

The Simpsons is unique in that its characters are often

seen attending church. In fact, religion is a dominant

theme of this popular show. The family is often seen

praying to God, and the show seems to be acutely aware

of the significant place religion has in the American

landscape. The show satirizes religion, but is not seen as

anti-religious, as the Simpsons themselves are Christian

and some are spiritual in nature. Most episodes call for

a sensible, tolerant and less fanatical religious

devotion. Although the show mocks religion, it is not dismissive of faith, and has wide

acceptance among those that practice religion, probably because the show targets all

kinds of hypocrisies, not just religious ones.

D’oh, God! uses episodes of The Simpsons as the basis for in-depth discussions of a wide

variety of religious topics. At each class, an entire episode is viewed, a distinct

advantage when discussion is the intention. After viewing, the class engages in

discussion and activities, designed to encourage deep contemplation of issues.

Registration is required

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Winter/Spring Workshops

Sharing Poems that Speak to Our Hearts

Wednesday January 21 at 7pm and Friday the 24 at 1pm

Facilitated by Robert Mitchell

Sometimes we read a poem, and it has little meaning for us. Maybe it’s too abstract or it just

doesn’t make sense to us. However, at other times, we read a poem that touches us deeply and

speaks directly to us. It gives us a new vision. Join Robert Mitchell for a poetry sharing circle in

which we will each share a specific poem and the way it speaks to us. Email Dani at

growspiritually@uufresno.org for registration and information.

Evil: A Unitarian Universalist Perspective

Wednesday, Jan. 13 at 10:00 AM or 7 pm

Facilitated by Rev. Tim Kutzmark

Join Rev. Tim for this exploration of what Unitarian Universalism says about evil. Has our focus

on the worth and dignity of all people caused us to miss the mark when it comes to

understanding evil and those who perpetuate it? A short reading will be sent in advance so you

are prepared for this one-time class. Registration is required. Email Dani at

growspiritually@uufresno.org for registration and information.

Salvation: A Unitarian Universalist Perspective

Wednesday, April 14 at 10:00 AM or 7 pm

Facilitated by Rev. Tim Kutzmark

Join Rev. Tim for this exploration of what Unitarian Universalism says about salvation.

Has our focus on love caused us to miss the mark when it comes to understanding wrong-

doing? Do we need to re-introduce the idea of sin into our theological language? A short

reading will be sent in advance so you are prepared for this one-time class. Registration

is required.

The Poets of Unitarian Universalism

Wednesday April 21st at 7pm or Sunday April 25th at 1pm

Facilitated by Robert Mitchell

Join Robert for a deep dive into Poets closely associated with Unitarian Universalism.

Learn about there work and their connections to our Faith. Featured poets will include

Sylvia Plath, e.e. cummings, May Sarton, and more.

Workshop Series

Introduction to Unitarian Universalism Facilitated by Rev. Tim and Patty Bennett

Each hour-long workshop in this engaging and interactive series stands alone as an introduction

to a different aspect of our faith. The workshops are designed for newcomers and the series of

four workshops is recommended for those considering membership in the Unitarian Universalist

Church of Fresno. In addition, all workshops are open to anyone who is interested in refreshing

their understanding of Unitarian Universalism. All workshops are on Sundays at 12 noon.

Registration is requested. Email Dani at growspiritually@uufresno.org for registration and

information.

Introduction to Unitarian Universalist History: October 25, January 3, or March 14

Introduction to What Unitarian Universalists Believe: November 1, January 17, or

April 11

Introduction to the Six Sources of Unitarian Universalism: September 6, November

15, February 7, or May 2

Introduction to Unitarian Universalism: Spiritual Journey: October 4, December 13,

February 21, May 16

Faith and Film Series

With Rev. Tim Kutzmark

(Second Sunday of Every Month at 6:30 pm)

Registration is Requested https://forms.gle/5CoV6fHfedATDCuz8

Sunday, September 13 at 6:30 pm

“Broken Rainbow”

This Academy Award winning documentary presents a

scathing and unsettling overview of the shameful

treatment of Native Americans during the 1970s. The

forced relocation of 12,000 Navajo Indians from their

lands in northeast Arizona was set in motion by the greed

of energy consortiums eager to have access to the oil, gas,

uranium, and coal on the sacred lands of these peoples.

This harrowing incident was another in a long string of

efforts by the United States government to break the spirit

of Native Americans by seizing their property. Both the

Hopis and the Navajos, have a tradition of seeing

themselves as caretakers of the Earth, which makes their forced migration an act of

spiritual violence.

Sunday, October 11 at 6:30 pm

“Sitting Bull: A Stone in My Heart”

This acclaimed documentary will introduce you the Sitting Bull few

people know. The film-maker spent four years of research to develop an

oral history, the story of Tatanka-Iyotanka (Sitting Bull) in his own

words. We bear witness as one of Native-America’s most famous leaders

talks about his life on the Northern Plains, the Battle of the Little Big

Horn and finally, his complicated views of Euro- American culture.

Except for a few lines of dialogue invented for cohesion, it is Sitting Bull s first-person

account of his life and times.

Sunday, November 8 at 6:30 pm

“The Apple Pushers”

This documentary follows the inspiring stories of five immigrant

pushcart vendors who are rolling fresh fruits and vegetables into

the poorer neighborhoods of New York – neighborhoods where

finding a ripe, red apple is a serious challenge and where obesity

rates are skyrocketing. Through the lens of their powerful and

deeply personal stories, the film examines such hot-button issues as

the obesity crisis, immigration, entrepreneurship, and what it really

takes to achieve the American Dream.

Sunday, Dec 13 at 6:30 pm

“Rent – Live on Broadway”

“Rent” was the “Hamilton” of its generation. When it opened

off-Broadway in 1996, this musical electrified New York with

its depiction of a group of impoverished young artists struggling

to survive and create a life in Lower Manhattan's East Village

in the thriving days of bohemian Alphabet City, under the

deadly shadow of HIV/AIDS. Much of the musical takes place

at Christmas-time. This film captures the final live performance from Broadway.

Sunday, January 10 at 6:30 pm

“Slavery by Another Name”

Did Slavery really end with the Civil War? This

documentary explores how in the years following the

Emancipation Proclamation, systematic approaches were

taken to re-enslave newly freed Blacks in the United

States. This system included new brutal methods of

forced labor in which men were arrested and forced to

work without pay, bought and sold, and coerced to do the

bidding of masters. Spanning the 60 years following the Civil War, this 90-minute

documentary includes interviews with key Black history scholars like Khalil Muhammad,

Mary Ellen Curtin, Risa Goluboff and Adam Green.

Sunday, February 21** (note, third Sunday of the Month)

“The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975”

The Black Power Mixtape tells the story of the Black Power

Movement. Drawn to America in the late 1960s by stories of

revolution and urban unrest, Swedish journalists recorded interviews

with many of the leaders of the Black Power Movement, including

Stokely Carmichael, Bobby Steale, Angela Davis and Eldridge

Cleaver. The filmmakers captured them in intimate moments and moments of unguarded

candor.

Sunday, March 14 at 6:30 pm

“Underwater Dreams”

This documentary follows a group of high school students

who are all sons of undocumented Mexican immigrants as

they participate in an underwater robotics contest against

fierce competition. Due to scarce resources, the team has to

use their ingenuity to finish the project with low-cost

materials. We see the challenges and disadvantages they have

to wrestle with and how their hard work and discipline pay

off. Underwater Dreams offers powerful lessons about curiosity, perseverance, and

teamwork and shows kids what you can achieve if you never stop dreaming.

Sunday, April 11at 6:30 pm

“Soundtrack for a Revolution”

Taking a fresh approach to the story of the

American Civil Rights Movement, Soundtrack

for a Revolution features the powerful music

from the movement. Focusing on the freedom

songs sung by protesters on picket lines, in mass

meetings, in paddy wagons and in jail cells, this

film celebrates the vitality of the music and the

infectious energy that it provided. Freedom

songs evolved from slave chants, the labor

movement, and from the Black church, and were

a vital tool as protestors stood up against adversity. They energized and empowered

them, enabled them to sing the things they couldn’t say, and allowed them to meet

aggression with dignity and non-violence. This documentary brings songs of the

movement back to life again through new performances by top artists, including John

Legend, Joss Stone, Wyclef Jean, and The Roots.

Faith Like A River

Faith Like a River Themes from Unitarian Universalist History

Facilitated by Dani Livesey

Registration Requested https://forms.gle/5CoV6fHfedATDCuz8

Faith Like a River explores the dynamic course of Unitarian,

Universalist, and Unitarian Universalist (UU) history—the

people, ideas, and movements that have shaped our faith

heritage. It invites participants to place themselves into our

history and consider its legacies. What lessons do the stories

of our history teach that can help us live more faithfully in

the present? What lessons do they offer to be lived into the

future?

Nov. 18th at 7pm or Nov. 22nd at 1pm

Swimming in the Stream Together-

For I say—whether you ever heard, directly, of this little event in Dedham or not—to

understand in any depth our liberal free church tradition, or to make much sense of

deeply rooted everyday realities of Unitarian Universalist churches now, today, you must

understand in your bones the historical importance of the spirit of love manifest in the

doctrine of covenantal organization, as this little group of people in Dedham understood

it in New England in 1637. — Alice Blair Wesley

This workshop considers the history and meaning of covenant in our religious tradition. It

explores the difference between a covenant and a statement of belief and examines the

importance of covenant in the free church tradition as it pertains to both freedom of

thought and freedom of governance.

Feb. 17th at 7pm or 21st at 1pm

As Tranquil Streams that Meet and Merge: Consolidation

If, recognizing the interdependence of all life, we strive to build community, the strength

we gather will be our salvation... If we join spirits as brothers and sisters, the pain of our

aloneness will be lessened, and that does matter. — Marjorie Bowens-Wheatley

This workshop explores issues and events in the consolidation of the AUA and the UCA

into a single entity, the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations. The

workshop highlights important cooperative work done by the youth movements and

religious educators of both denominations, which smoothed the way for the

consolidation. Participants learn about some of the achievements of the young

Association and its influence on the wider culture. They consider how the dual heritages

of Unitarianism and Universalism have shaped our movement

May 19th at 7pm or 23rd at 1pm

Mirages and Oases: Idealism and Utopianism

Humanity must ever reach out towards a New Eden. Succeeding generations smile at the

crude attempts, and forthwith make their own blunders, but each attempt, however

seemingly unsuccessful, must of necessity contain a germ of spiritual beauty which will

bear fruit. — Clara Endicott Sears, founder of the Fruitlands Museum

A vibrant stream of idealism runs through Unitarian Universalist history. This workshop

introduces Transcendentalism, spiritualism, and Utopianism, three 19th-century

movements which perhaps represent a high point of idealism in the United States as well

as in both Unitarianism and Universalism. Participants explore the reasons for these

expressions of idealism, examine how these movements shaped our faith, and identify

strains of idealism in Unitarian Universalism today.

Spirit in Practice Facilitated by Dani Livesey

Registration Requested https://forms.gle/5CoV6fHfedATDCuz8

Spirit in Practice was created to help Unitarian Universalists develop

regular disciplines, or practices, of the spirit—practices that help them

connect with the sacred ground of their being, however they understand

it. Spirit in Practice affirms religious diversity while seeking unity in our

communal quest for meaning and wholeness. Whether participants

follow a path they identify as Humanist, Jewish, Christian, Pagan,

Theist, Atheist, Agnostic, Mystic, and/or any of the other paths we

follow in our diverse congregations, the Spirit in Practice workshops

offer a forum for learning, sharing, and growth that can enrich their faith journeys. Written by

By Erik Walker Wikstrom

Wednesday December 16th at 7pm or Friday the 18th at 10am

Personal Spiritual Practice

There is guidance for each of us, and by lowly listening, we shall hear the right word.

Certainly there is a right for you that needs no choice on your part. Place yourself in the

middle of the stream of power and wisdom which flows into your life. Then, without

effort, you are impelled to truth and to perfect contentment. — Ralph Waldo Emerson

This workshop looks at the solitary component of the practice of spirituality. There is a

Zen saying that no one else can eat your food for you, no one else can go to the bathroom

for you, and no one else can live your life for you. And, of course, no one else can do

your practice for you.

Wednesday March 17th at 7pm or Sunday March 21st at 1pm

Mind Practices

We can sometimes get the impression that "spiritual" and "intellectual" are mutually

exclusive characteristics, or that we need to "get out of our heads" to experience spiritual

growth. Yet throughout time and across cultures, it has long been recognized that reason

and rationality are among many paths to the discovery of deep truth.

While it may indeed be true that many people can get "stuck in their heads" and miss out

on what Margot Adler calls "the juice and the mystery," it is by no means a direct

correlation that the use of the intellect requires one to be blinded to the miraculous.

Consider Albert Einstein, who said that he knew his special theory of relativity was

correct not because all of the equations added up but because it was so "beautiful," and

who opined that "the most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious." Many of

the world's most rational thinkers find that the more they learn, the more their

appreciation for the majesty and magnificent mystery of life grows as well

Wednesday June 23rd at 7pm or Sunday March 21st at 1pm

Soul Practices:

Our creative souls need nurturing and understanding. How do we remain creatively open?

Where does our inspiration come from? How can we embrace our negative selves? What

can we say to our internal judges and critics? How can we best share our creativity? I

believe that we are each highly creative with important gifts to share, words to speak and

write, lights to shine on ourselves and others. In order to do this work we need tending,

planting, weeding, nourishing. This is all work we must do in our interior gardens. —

Sark, Living Juicy: Daily Morsels for Your Creative Soul (Celestial Arts, 1994)

"Soul practices" are those spiritual practices that engage our creative selves This

workshop encourages engagement in creative expression for the purpose of the

engagement itself. Time spent immersed in clay, paint, or pencil on paper can be just as

profound and powerful as time spent in prayer. Creativity can be a spiritual practice.

Year Round Offerings

Chalice Circles- Meet twice a month (except holidays).

If you are looking for a way to make connections and build deep rooted community,

Chalice Circles are it. A longtime tradition of Unitarian Universalist congregations; the

role of small group ministry is to create space for each individual to explore their own

inner thoughts and spirituality. To facilitate these spiritual practices, each group is

intentionally small with only 8-10 participants in order to provide ample time for each

person.

Small groups are a great place to get to know people and to get to know yourself. Over

time, participants have the opportunity to practice listening deeply to one another. You will

also have the opportunity to be heard and supported on your spiritual journey (to the level

which you are comfortable sharing) with respect for who you are without pretentious

expectations of ‘who you should be. The time together is structured: Groups begin and

end with centering readings and often include a time of silence before sharing begins.

To join a Chalice Circle email Dani at growspiritually@uufresno.org

Sarayu Yoga

Facilitated by Jenny Rohan

Hatha Yoga Mondays at 6pm and Chair Yoga Tuesdays Noon and Fridays at 1pm

Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/97768989369

Certified instruction in the techniques and spiritual practice of

Sarayu Yoga. Designed for all ability levels. Includes brief

meditation, breathwork, energization exercises, and hatha yoga

asanas.

UU Buddhist Fellowship

Every Wednesday at 3pm

https://zoom.us/j/94225906754

The Dharma Without Dogma Sangha is an inclusive meditation and

study group in which the participants feel an affinity with UU principles and Buddhism.

All Buddhist practices are welcome, as well as all interested individuals. Democratic

decision-making is followed in this peer-led group in order to create a safe and accepting

environment.

UU Humanists of Fresno

Third Sundays of the month

https://zoom.us/j/94339993291

UUHF gathers monthly to connect with other Humanists and expand our understanding of

our Humanist beliefs. Guest speakers are invited who have knowledge and expertise in

particular areas. All are welcome.

Spend Time with Rev. Tim

Spiritual Reflection Drop in Group

Tuesdays at 7pm and Thursdays at 11am (first Thursday of the Month at

Noon)

Facilitated by Rev. Tim

Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/94599824478

Take the time to connect and join Rev. Tim for spiritual nourishment

and togetherness.